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VSC provides free and confidential help for victims of crime and their loved ones. We are Montgomery County's only comprehensive agency serving victims of crime. Reach our 24/7 help line at 888.521.0983 or ask for a callback from our staff below. / Get 24/7 Help Get Involved Give WE ARE ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU. We are Montgomery County's only comprehensive victim services agency. Every survivor is believed. Every identity is honored. Healing is a journey open to you. What help is available? Events Sat, Mar 14 Family First: a Day of Safety and Support / Greater Plymouth Community Center RSVP Mar 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Greater Plymouth Community Center, 2910 Jolly Rd, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA Meet community helpers at this free event for families. Share Tue, Mar 17 Shifting Spaces Art Showcase / Innovation & Discovery Center RSVP Mar 17, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Innovation & Discovery Center, Main Campus Drive, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA Celebrate student artists from across Montgomery County who use creativity to promote healthy relationships, consent, respect, and connection Share Sat, Mar 28 2026 Celebration of Women's History Month (SOLD OUT) / George Washington Carver Community Ctr. Buy Tickets Mar 28, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM George Washington Carver Community Ctr., 249 Jacoby St, Norristown, PA 19401, USA Please join us for afternoon tea with sandwiches, desserts, activities, and prizes. Your tea cup goes home with you. Funds raised will support services for survivors of crime and child abuse. Share Thu, Apr 23 Remembering Lives, Planting Hope / Montgomery Township Community Center RSVP Apr 23, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Montgomery Township Community Center, 1030 Horsham Rd, Montgomeryville, PA 18936, USA A free event for people impacted by homicide loss Share OUR IMPACT FY 2024-25 VSC's trauma-informed services empower victims of crime to regain hope, resilience, and healing, enabling them to reclaim their power and resume their daily lives, while also equipping individuals and communities with the tools to promote healthy relationships and foster safe communities. 1/1

See the 2024 honorees, get tickets, and sponsor this event, set for June 9, 2024, from 1 to 4 PM at the William Penn Inn. 0 DAYS TO THE EVENT Supporting Survivors Together: 2024 VSC Leadership & Matty Muir Awards A benefit event, luncheon and basket raffle When Jun 09, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Where The William Penn Inn, 1017 Dekalb Pike, Gwynedd, PA 19436, USA Details Sponsor VSC Leadership & Matty Muir Awards Recipients 2024 Founders, Backyard Beans Coffee Company Matt and Laura Adams Matt and Laura Adams have been instrumental in raising awareness about VSC in the community. They have promoted VSC through coffee sleeves and offering special blends of coffee during April to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month. They also donate a percentage of their profits to VSC. VSC is appreciative of their leadership and dedication in making a difference that directly impacts victims of crime. They are avid supporters of the Victim Services Center. Music Mama and Survivor Lisa Cirone My business is Music Mama, I book & promote bands for local establishments, private parties and fundraising events. I also host music & arts festivals. I'm a domestic violence abuse survivor and I was sexually assaulted in August 2020. I now volunteer for Victims Services of Montgomery County, PA. I was also part of the VSC 2023 Annual Appeal and a member of the VSC Planning Committee. I will continue to tell my story and what VSC has done for me as a way to help other victims and hopefully give them the courage to speak up and heal. Volunteer Sexual Assault Advocate Jennifer Farwell Jennifer Farwell is a volunteer sexual assault advocate who answers the hotline, accompanies victims/survivors to the hospital, attends community outreach events, uses her social media platform to raise awareness and prevention education, and has organized a donation-based barre3 class to support Victim Services Center. She uses her Registered Nurse skills and personal experience to reach clients. Jennifer believes having a safe person to walk beside you during a painful journey of healing is essential. 2024 Matty Muir Sponsorship Give now to support this event. First name Last name Email Company Phone Address Select Level * Gold Sponsor - $3000 Silver Sponsor - $1500 Bronze Sponsor - $750 Patron - $250 Mission Supporter - $50 Thank you for your support! We will be in touch. Proceed to Checkout Sponsorship Levels All sponsors' names will be listed on this website, and business sponsors will have their logos displayed along with their names. Gold Sponsor - $3,000 Increasing awareness in the community 1 page ad in the program book Silver Sponsor - $1,500 Increasing awareness & supporting primary prevention in schools 1/2 page ad in program book Bronze Sponsor - $750 Increasing awareness for professionals 1/4 page ad in program book Patron - $250 Increasing awareness for elder & senior citizens Business card size ad in program book Mission Supporter - $50 Supporting VSC's mission & vision Sponsor

Register as a sponsor and pay online. Your support helps us keep services free for survivors. Sponsorship Opportunities The 5 Practices of Highly Resilient People: Why Some Flourish When Others Fold Mar 15, 2024, 12:00 PM Community Partners Join us for an afternoon focused on enhancing your resilience, mental health, and wellbeing with Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal. ASL interpretation provided. Details Sponsorship Form Your support helps us keep services free. First name Last name Email Phone Position Company Business Address Select an item ($) * VSC Angel - $3000 Partner of VSC - $2000 Friend of VSC - $1000 Proceed to Checkout Thanks for your support! We will be in touch with you soon. Sponsorship Levels VSC Angel ($3,000) Recognition at the start and end of the event 4 tickets Partner of VSC ($2,000) Recognition at the start and end of the event 3 tickets Friend of VSC ($1,000) Recognition at the start and end of the event 2 tickets To Submit Sponsor Gift by Check in the Mail Send a check payable to Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, and write "Resilience Workshop" in the memo line. Our office address is 325 Swede St., Norristown, PA, 19401, and our EIN is 23-1967228. Questions? To learn more about this event please contact Lynn Williams at lynn-williams@vscmontcopa.org . Sponsors Carrie Gish and Marc Rockford Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky P.C. Stradley Ronon

Register as a sponsor and pay online. Empower-Palooza! Sponsorship Opportunities Thank you for your interest in sponsoring this event. By helping to defray the cost of this event, you will help us keep our services free for our community. Please review our sponsorship levels and fill out the form below to sponsor this event. Sponsorship payments are due by March 26, 2023. For questions about payments please email Jessica Carson at Jessica-Carson@vscmontcopa.org . Please fill out the form below to sponsor this event. To Submit Sponsor Gift Online Use the online payment field within the sponsor registration form. To Submit Sponsor Gift by Check in the Mail Send a check payable to Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, and write "Empower 2023" in the memo line. Our office address is 325 Swede St., Norristown, PA, 19401. Questions? To learn more about this event please contact Kiley Addis at kiley-addis@vscmontcopa.org . To see vendor opportunities, please visit the vendor registration page . Sponsor Registration First Name Last Name Email Phone Company Please list your social media handles if you would like to be thanked on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and/or LinkedIn. Sponsor Website Payment Method Choose an option Sponsorship Level * Platinum - $2500 Gold - $1000 Silver - $500 Bronze - $250 Friends and Family - $20 Planned Sponsorshp Amount Choose an option SUBMIT Thank you for your support! We will follow up with you soon. Sponsorship Levels Protective Communities Platinum ($2,500) Large company logo recognition on event signage and website Signage at the entrance / exit of the event Option to place collateral items at the main event table Recognition at the start and end of the event. Large company logo on participant event t-shirts (deadline: March 26) Grateful Relationships Gold ($1,000) Medium company logo on website Recognition at the start and end of the event Option to place collateral items at the main event table Medium-size logo on the back of the participant t-shirts (deadline: March 26) Safe Adults Silver ($500) Small company logo recognition on the website Recognition at the start and end of the event Small-size logo on the back of the participant t-shirts (deadline: March 26) Believe Survivors Bronze ($250) Company name recognition on the website Recognition at the start and end of the event Company name on the back of the participant t-shirts (deadline: March 26) Supportive Friends and Family ($20) Option to recognize a small business of your choice at the start of the event and at the end of the event Option to have flyers or promotional materials of a small business of your choice at the main event table One free event t-shirt (deadline: March 26) Download and Share Empower-Palooza! Graphics Mouse over the graphic and look for the download icon on the lower right! sponsors We thank the following sponsors for their generous support. Action Karate Plymouth Meeting Boss Mores Custom Print House Children's Hospital of Philadelphia GodFeeds Vegan Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Wegmans Zumba with Jess

Pay here if you are a vendor. Empower-Palooza! VENDOR PAYMENT CENTER April 29, 2023 11:00 am - 3:00 pm George Washington Carver Center 249 Jacoby St. Norristown, PA, 19401 Thank you for submitting your vendor application. Please submit payment online or via check in the mail by April 1, 2023. If you require an invoice and a W9 form, please get in touch with Jessica Carson, Jessica-Carson@vscmontcopa.org . Checks may be made out to Victim Services Center and mailed to the address: 325 Swede Street 2nd floor Norristown, PA 19401. Thank you for your support and participation! Empower-Palooza! Online Payment Form First Name Last Name Email Business / Org Name Select an item ($) * Nonprofit - $25 Businesses & Individuals - $50 Food Trucks / Stands - $100 Proceed to Checkout Thank you for your support! When you are a vendor for this event, you are helping children, and families access activities, food, drinks, shirts, resources, and more…FOR FREE! This event aims to reduce and prevent harm to children and youth by: increasing community connectedness increasing parent-child communication and access to trusted adults, increasing youth social activities providing parents access to positive parenting tools teaching children prosocial skills while addressing their social-emotional needs. gaining access to safety, protection, and wellness resources that can be life-saving engaging in educational, family-friendly, fun activities! Download and Share Event Graphics Mouse over each graphic and look for the download icon on the lower right side.

See the 2025 honorees, get tickets, and sponsor this event, set for June 26, 2025, from 6 to 9 PM at the William Penn Inn. 50th Anniversary Celebration Join us to celebrate 50 years of advocacy, empowerment, and healing for victims of crime & to honor leading advocates for victims' rights. This celebration will include music, a live auction, a buffet dinner, and trivia. Jun 26, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM The William Penn Inn, 1017 Dekalb Pike, Gwynedd, PA 19002, USA Details Honorees Josh Shapiro GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA VSC is honoring Governor Shapiro with a leadership award for his outstanding commitment to justice and the protection of victims’ rights. Josh Shapiro was Pennsylvania’s Attorney General from 2017 to 2023 and Chair of the Montgomery County PA Board of Commissioners from 2012 to 2017. In 2015, Shapiro was appointed to the Board of the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency. He was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2004 to 2012. As Attorney General Shapiro revealed the comprehensive findings of a statewide investigative grand jury that spent two years uncovering abuse of children by priests, and systemic cover-up spanning decades by church leaders. The Grand Jury recommended reforming the criminal and civil statutes of limitations in PA. Governor Shapiro has dedicated his life to serving the people of Pennsylvania. Click here to read a statement from Governor Shapiro. Kevin R. Steele DISTRICT ATTORNEY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA VSC is honoring District Attorney Kevin Steele with a leadership award for his dedication and commitment to justice and for working with VSC in partnership to support victims’ rights. We commend District Attorney Kevin Steele for being a leading advocate for victims’ rights and appreciate working in partnership with his office to ensure that victims of crime have access to services. Kevin Steele has served as the District Attorney of Montgomery County, PA since 2016. He is the chief law enforcement officer, overseeing a team of prosecutors, detectives, and staff. He and his team work with the county’s police departments, and other local, state, and federal partners to investigate crime and keep the county safe. A true prosecutor, Kevin Steele is committed to seeking justice by trying cases in addition to his many responsibilities as District Attorney. In 2019, he was recognized for his trial advocacy skills by being inducted into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a recipient of the Pennsylvania Governors Pathways Award for his commitment to victims’ rights. Kevin Steele is the immediate past president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and is on the National District Attorneys Association Executive Board. Madeleine Dean UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE VSC is honoring Congresswoman Madeline Dean with a leadership award for her dedication and commitment to addressing crime, focusing on the impact of gun violence, and advocating for funding to support services for victims of crime. We commend US Representative Dean for her leadership in the US Congress, advocacy for Victims of Crime Act funds, and protection of victims’ rights. Madeline Deane has served in the US Congress since 2018. She won special elections in 2012 to the Pennsylvania State House, and during her six-and-a-half years in Harrisburg, she was an outspoken champion of public education, healthcare access, equal rights, criminal justice reform, combating addiction, and stopping gun violence. Madeline founded and served as Co-Chair of the PA-SAFE Caucus, an active coalition of legislators and advocates dedicated to ending gun violence. In 2015, Governor Tom Wolf appointed Madeline Dean to the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, which advises the governor on policies and legislation to improve the lives of women and families. In 2011, Madeline Dean served as Abington Township Commissioner. Madeline Dean has been an outstanding champion and advocate focused on decency and the common good as early as when at age 18 she won the election to serve as local committee person in her Township. Click here to read a statement from Rep.. Dean. Live Auction Getaway To Gaia Costa Rica Private Tuscan Apartment Getaway Getaway to Private Villa in Bali Meet & Greet with NY Superstar & All-Star Guard Jalen Brunson Yankee Stadium VIP Game Day Experience Seaside Getaway to Cabo San Lucas Proceeds from this event will support services for victims of crime in our community. Sponsorship Levels All contributions are tax deductible. Our EIN is 23-1967228. Gold Sponsor - $50,000 24 tickets Silver Sponsor - $25,000 12 tickets Bronze Sponsor - $15,000 6 tickets Teal - $10,000 4 tickets Angel - $5,000 2 tickets Friend - $1,500 2 tickets Supporter - $1,000 2 tickets I would like to sponsor the VSC 50th Anniversary Celebration First name Last name Email Company Phone Address Select Level * Golden - $50000 Silver - $25000 Bronze - $15000 Teal - $10000 Angel - $5000 Friend - $1500 Supporter - $1000 If you would like your logo to be featured, please upload an image file (max 15MB). Upload File Thank you for your support! We will be in touch. Proceed to Checkout Sponsorship Information Sponsorship Information Event Sponsors This event is made possible by: Alpha Kappa Alpha Supporter Anapol Weiss B & R Professional Legal Services The Feden Family Firstrust Bank Supporter The Gish and Rockford Family, Teal Sponsor Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin, PC Supporter Insleelaw LLC Supporter Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan Supporter Lexitas Company Friend Montgomery Bar Association The R.O.S.E. Foundation Saltz Mongeluzzi & Bendesky P.C. Supporter Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP Angel Sponsor Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP Supporter Valley Forge Casino and Resort Supporter Faith Zipper Supporter

See a list of all active support groups and ask for more information. / Support Groups (All) / Support Groups Support groups can be a powerful tool to foster your healing. If you are interested in joining a group listed here, please call us at 888.521.0983 or complete the online form below to request a callback from our staff. Caregivers of Sexual Abuse Survivors Support Group Ages 18+ Free Interpreter services available at no cost. Survivors of Gun Violence Support Group Ages 18+ Free Interpreter services available at no cost. Survivors of Homicide Loss Support Group Ages 18+ Free Interpreter services available at no cost. Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Support Group Ages 18+ Free Interpreter services available at no cost. Young Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault Ages 16-24 Free Interpreter services available at no cost. LGBTQ+ Survivors of Sexual Assault Support Group Ages 18+ Free Interpreter services available at no cost. Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault Support Group Ages 18+ Free Interpreter services available at no cost. Ask for Help

Available volunteer positions and how to get involved / Get Involved / Volunteer / Volunteer Opportunities Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Victim Services Center (VSC) and your commitment to those we serve. By volunteering, you can help to fulfill our mission, enlighten our operations and engage the community in our activities. If you have questions about volunteering with VSC, please call Lauren Uhl, Client Information/Grant Management & Special Initiatives Supervisor, at (610) 277-0932 ext. 228 or send an email to lauren-uhl@vscmontcopa.org . Community Outreach Volunteer Participate in community events in Montgomery County on behalf of VSC Read More Special Event Volunteer Assist the VSC fundraising and special events committee Read More Counseling Intern For master's-level students Read More Advocacy Intern Help VSC's advocacy team serve victims of crime Read More

How to request help from an advocate; how to request an interpreter in Montgomery County, PA.

Request mandated reporter training from VSC. / Prevention & Training / MRT / Mandated Reporter Training Anyone who works with children, the elderly, or vulnerable populations can benefit from programs with a VSC educator. We offer training for mandatory reporters and those who are not. We've designed programs for a variety of audiences including educators, guidance counselors, attorneys, college administrators, physicians, nurses, assisted living staff, worship leaders, and many more. Our staff works with you to schedule programs at your convenience. To request more information please send an email to education@vscmontcopa.org . Request Program Information Mandated Reporting of Suspect Child Abuse Training Course The “Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse Training” (MRT) is a state-approved training course. It fulfills requirements for mandated reporters in accordance with Act 31 of 2014, Department of Human Services and Act 126 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, Department of Education. If you would like to schedule an in-service training at your school or site, please submit the schedule request form below. For help contact education@vscmontcopa.org. Anchor 1

I was sexually assaulted. Should I go to the hospital? Call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983. / Get Help / FAQs / Frequently Asked Questions We are here to help. Please explore the FAQs below. If you would like more information about anything you see here or wish to speak with a crisis counselor immediately, please call our 24-hour hotline at 1-888-521-0983. 关于性侵犯 What is sexual violence? Sexual violence is the term for any type of unwanted sexual contact. This includes but is not limited to: sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault or rape. Sexual violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, geography, ability, appearance, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It impacts everyone--the survivor, their families, significant others, and their community. What is consent? Consent is giving permission for something to happen or agreeing to do something. Consent is freely given. Sexual contact without consent is a type of sexual violence. Reasons why someone cannot consent includes: victim’s age, illness, mental or physical disability, being asleep or unconscious, or being too intoxicated through voluntary or involuntary use of alcohol or drugs. Also, someone may not be able to consent because the perpetrator uses or threatens with weapons or physical violence, intimidation, pressure, or misuse of authority. What is the age of consent? In Pennsylvania, a person less than 13 years old cannot grant consent to sexual activity. People between the ages of 13 and 15 cannot consent to sexual activity with anyone who is four or more years older than them; it would be considered statutory rape. People ages 16 and older can legally consent to sexual activity with anyone they choose, as long as the other person does not have authority over them. In Pennsylvania this is called Institutional sexual assault and happens when sexual activity occurs with an employee/agent of a: school (teacher/coach), state or county jail, personal care/group home, or other licensed residential facilities serving youth. 针对强奸的法医检查和保护令 I was recently sexually assaulted. Should I go to the hospital? While it is always your decision, VSC recommends that you go to the ER/hospital after a sexual assault to assess for and treat any injuries you may have, collect evidence of the crime as well as make sure you receive all the support and information you need to begin your healing process. VSC works with all hospitals in Montgomery County, including Abington,Einstein (Montgomery),(https://www.abingtonhealth.org/our-locations/abington-hospital/) Bryn Mawr,(https://www.mainlinehealth.org/locations/bryn-mawr-hospital) Lankenau (https://www.mainlinehealth.org/locations/lankenau-medical-center)and Pottstown (https://pottstown.towerhealth.org/)Hospitals. If you are thinking about going to the hospital but have questions, please call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983 for more information. What happens when I go to the hospital after a sexual assault? After you are treated for any injuries, you will typically meet a Forensic Nurse, who is specially trained to work with victims of a sexual assault. They will ask you questions like what medications you may take, your previous medical history and also about the assault. Some of these questions may be difficult or seem invasive but this information is useful for any future investigations and to ensure your health and well being as they work with you. The nurse will then use a rape kit to collect evidence based on what you tell them about the assault. You will also be given information about pregnancy and offer options based on your needs. You have the right to skip any step of the exam that you are uncomfortable with. Can someone come with me to the hospital? You have the right to have a sexual assault counselor present during the exam. In Montgomery County, the hospital should contact a VSC advocate to come and offer services and support. If an advocate hasn’t arrived, you can request that the nurse calls one or contact one yourself by calling our hotline at 1-888-521-0983. Will I be charged for the forensic rape exam? The forensic rape exam will not cost you anything. The Violence Against Women Act requires states to provide exams free of charge. The perpetrator is still contacting me. What options do I have? You can apply for a protection order. A protection order is a document from the court barring the perpetrator from contacting you. There are three types of protection orders available in Pennsylvania. They are a Protection From Abuse order or PFA, a Sexual Violence Protection order or SVP and a Protection From Intimidation or PFI. If you have questions about what protection order is right for you, call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983. How do I obtain a protection order? In Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a crime victim would go to the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, PA, to file for a civil protection order. You will need to go to the Court Administration office located on the second floor. They will give you paperwork to complete and will connect you with the appropriate victim services agency. VSC will be contacted to assist crime victims filing for SVPs and PFIs or you can call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983. 维权 What are my rights as a victim? In Pennsylvania, Victim Rights are the rights given to a victim or significant other impacted by a crime. (Visit Your Detailed Rights as a Crime Victim (https://pcv.pccd.pa.gov/available-services/Pages/Your-Detailed-Rights-As-A-Crime-Victim.aspx)to learn more.) What can a VSC advocate do for me? A VSC advocate can provide you with a general understanding of how the criminal justice process works. They are not lawyers but they are specially trained to help you understand legal proceedings before, during and after a case has resolved. Advocates can talk to you about reporting to the police and can accompany you to the police station. They can also provide support and accompany you to criminal court proceedings for events like preliminary hearings, trial, and parole board hearings. Advocates can assist with filing for Victims Compensation for crime-related expenses. What if I do not want to make a police report? There are many reasons why someone may choose not to make a police report. Options to consider instead of reporting to police are: • Calling our 24-hour hotline at 1-888-521-0983 to safety plan. • Filing a civil protection order (several types of orders in Montgomery County include: Protection from Abuse order, Sexual Violence Protection order, and Protection from Intimidation order). • Filling out a defiant trespass order. • Notifying the Office of Children and Youth by making a Child-Line report (by phone or online, anonymous reporting available). • Talking to a trusted adult. What can I expect when I go to the police? In most cases you will initially speak with a person at the front desk. Some smaller police deptartments may have a notice on a wall nearby with instructions on who to call to reach an officer. Next, an available officer will likely meet with you in a private room. Officers will ask general questions about the crime such as who, what, and where. This can take about an hour to complete. Officers ask these questions to get information necessary to determine if the investigation should continue. For more information please contact our hotline at 1-888-521-0983. Do I have to complete a police interview alone? No, you may call our 24-hour hotline at 1-888-521-0983 to request a VSC advocate to accompany you to any police department in Montgomery County. If you need assistance outside of the county, you may call us and request another local resource. Which police department do I go to if I wanted to make a report? Normally, you visit the police department in the same area where the incident happened. (Example: if it happened in City A but you live in City B, you would report to the police department that serves City A). Please call our hotline for more guidance at 1-888-521-0983. The crime happened in the past, can I still make a police report?" Yes, you can make a police report regardless of how much time has passed. What happens after a police report is made? Typically, in Pennsylvania, after the reporting officer/detective has obtained the initial information you provided, the police may further investigate. You may be asked to return to the police for a formal statement which is a more detailed interview with an officer or detective. Police may seek additional interviews with others, request surveillance, or await lab results. After any investigation is completed it is submitted to the District Attorney’s (DA's) office. It is up to the DA’s office to decide if there will be criminal charges filed. If the DA’s office decides to not charge, the case is closed and no criminal charges are filed. For more information please contact our hotline at 1-888-521-0983, as situations may vary. My criminal case was closed. What are my options? If the DA’s office decides not to prosecute, you may have options including filing for a restraining order, filing for a no contact order, or consulting a lawyer of your own choosing about possible civil legal claims you may have. If you would like to learn more about any of these options please call our hotline at 888-521-0983. An arrest has been made. Will someone contact me when they get out? Yes, however you must visit PA SAVIN (https://www.vinelink.com/)website or call them at (866) 972-7284 to register. For those arrested with longer state sentences you may call the Office of Victim Advocate (http://www.ova.pa.gov)at 1-800-563-6399. I am worried about my immigration status. Can I make a police report? Normally, when making a police report, their main priority is public safety and focused on the crime/incident details. You do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police. For more information please contact our hotline, as situations may vary. Visit the ACLU website (https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights)for more information about immigration and rights. What do I do at the police station if English is not my first or preferred language? You have the right to meaningful language access for free. You may request an interpreter at the police department. Police departments, hospitals, and courts have language line/telephonic interpreter access. VSC also utilizes language access. For more information please contact our hotline at 1-888-521-0983, as situations vary. 如果您需要帮助但不会英语，请致电888-521-0983，我们将回答您的任何问题。 Wenn Sie Hilfe benötigen, aber kein Englisch sprechen, rufen Sie bitte unsere Hotline unter 888-521-0983 an, um alle Ihre Fragen zu beantworten. Se hai bisogno di assistenza ma non parli inglese, chiama il nostro numero verde 888-521-0983 e risponderemo a tutte le tue domande. 도움이 필요하지만 영어로 대화하기 어려운 분은 상담전화 888-521-0983으로 연락 주시면 답변해 드리겠습니다. Если вам нужна помощь, но вы не говорите по-английски, позвоните на нашу горячую линию 888-521-0983, чтобы получить ответы на все вопросы. Якщо вам потрібна допомога, але ви не володієте англійською мовою, зателефонуйте на нашу гарячу лінію за номером 888-521-0983, щоб отримати відповідь на будь-які запитання. What can I do if I have bills or expenses as a result of the crime I endured? Victim’s Compensation is a program that offers crime victim’s financial assistance for a variety of expenses as a result of a crime. Some expenses that may qualify are: medical bills, counseling expenses, medication, relocation, loss wages, funeral expenses, stolen cash, or crime scene clean up. VSC advocates can answer any other eligibility questions and assist in completing an application for the program. Please call our hotline to learn more: 1-888-521-0983. Do I need a lawyer if I am a victim/survivor of a crime? No, you do not need a lawyer. For criminal matters, an assistant district attorney is appointed to represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Should a victim of crime want to pursue civil charges, they will need to hire their own attorney. For more information please contact our hotline, as situations may vary. How do I know if/when I need to go to court? You will receive a subpoena if you need to attend a court proceeding. If you are uncertain about this, you can request the assistance of a VSC advocate who can also accompany you to those proceedings. For more information please contact our hotline at 1-888-521-0983, as situations may vary. What is a victim impact statement? It is a written statement to the judge that you have the right to submit at the time of a sentencing hearing. An impact statement outlines the impact the crime has had on you or your loved one. You also are able to give in-person victim testimony during the sentencing as well. This informs the judge of the emotional, mental, physical, and financial implications the crime has had on you. Victim advocates are available to assist you with your victim impact statement. Please call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983 for more information. What is restitution? Restitution is money ordered by the judge that the defendant is to pay back to you for expenses you had as a result of the crime. For example: medical bills, stolen cash or property and/or insurance deductibles. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for giving you a form about these kinds of expenses before a sentencing hearing in your case. This form must be returned before the sentencing date. It is typically ordered when the defendant is sentenced. Victim advocates are available to assist you in filling out this paperwork. For more information please call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983. 心理咨询 What kind of counseling does VSC offer? Counseling at VSC involves symptom-based, trauma informed talk therapy. Counseling at VSC focuses on the symptoms one might be experiencing as a result of a traumatic incident that is considered a crime (For example: sexual assault or abuse, robbery, loss of a loved one to homicide, etc.) Anyone over 14 years old can consent to counseling services at VSC and request an intake. VSC’s child abuse treatment program provides therapy to child survivors of abuse ages 5-17. All counseling services at VSC are free. Who can receive counseling at VSC? Someone affected by a crime - this can include a direct victim/survivor and their significant-others (spouse, partner, relative or friend). This can also include the witness of a crime. VSC provides services for crime victims and their significant-others regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, geography, ability, appearance, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Where do I go for counseling? VSC offers both in-person counseling in Norristown, PA, and remote services using HIPAA-compliant technology. School-based counseling is also available for those who cannot visit VSC's office. To request counseling services, please call 888-521-0983 or complete a counseling request form. (https://www.victimservicescenter.org/counseling) Does VSC offer counseling online? Yes. VSC offers online counseling through a confidential telehealth platform. For information on how to make an appointment, please submit a counseling request form (http://www.victimservicescenter.org/counseling)or call our hotline at 1-888-521-0983.

The Crisis Counselor/Advocate Hotline Independent Contractor I and II report directly to the Client Information/Grant Management & Special Initiatives Supervisor and are responsible for hotline coverage during non-business hours on weekdays, weekends and Holidays. Crisis Counselor/Advocate Hotline Independent Contractor Contracted Hours Role and Responsibilities: This position reports directly to the Client Information/Grant Management and Special Initiatives Supervisor and will be responsible for responding to victims of sexual violence and other crimes in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania during assigned hotline shifts. The assigned hotline shifts are scheduled outside the agency’s normal business hours, weekends, and holidays. Response to the hotline includes but is not limited to, in-person hospital and police court accompaniments for victims of crime. This position requires flexible availability during assigned hotline shifts and the capacity to work remotely. Duties include: Provide direct services via a crisis hotline to crime victims in Montgomery County Provide crisis intervention, supportive crisis counseling, information, and appropriate referrals to connect individuals with relevant services who have been affected by violent crimes in our community Provide in-person hospital accompaniment to emergency medical examinations resulting from rape, upon contact with hospitals serving Montgomery County Execute in-person police interview accompaniment when requested by a police department in Montgomery County. Ability to answer crisis hotline calls promptly or within three rings Ability to accompany a victim at a hospital within one hour of the request Ability to organize and process case notes in a timely manner Ability to provide crisis response and support requested via hotline on assigned weekday hours, assigned weekends, and assigned holidays Must attend agency meetings and case consultation as needed Preferred Skills: The following skills will assist in the success of the applicant in the position: Problem-solving Counseling Crisis intervention Time management Qualifications and Requirements: Successful completion of VSC 65+ hour Sexual Assault Counselor/ Victim Advocate Training (provided). Candidate must reside within the Philadelphia Tri-County area: Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia, Bucks or be able to respond to area hospital within an hour of a request for accompaniment. Criminal Record, Child Abuse history, and FBI clearance background check required. Valid driver's license, vehicle and valid automobile insurance are required. *Spanish language skills a plus. EOE To Apply Send a resume and cover letter to Lauren Uhl at lauren-uhl@vscmontcopa.org .